🌟 Call for WooStar Nominations 🌟
It’s time to nominate this month’s WooStars — one student and one staff member who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in Worcester Public Schools!
🗓️ This Month's Nomination Deadline: Monday, March 30
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
Your nominations ensure we can spotlight individuals who are putting Vision to Action across WPS!
It’s time to nominate this month’s WooStars — one student and one staff member who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in Worcester Public Schools!
🗓️ This Month's Nomination Deadline: Monday, March 30
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
Your nominations ensure we can spotlight individuals who are putting Vision to Action across WPS!
Midori Inspires Burncoat High Students! 🎻✨
Last week, world-renowned violinist Midori visited Burncoat High, working with students in the Performing, Visual & Media Arts Magnet Program! From hands-on workshops to a powerful final performance, it was incredible to see our young musicians grow, gain confidence, and connect through music.
The session was supported by Caroline Reiner, Artistic Director of Worcester’s Joy of Music Program, and Clara Kim, Coordinator and Performing Assistant for Midori’s Orchestra Residencies Program, who provided invaluable guidance to students during the residency.
A huge thank you to the Joy of Music Program for making this unforgettable experience possible. Moments like these remind us why the arts are the heartbeat of our district. 💚🤍
This Month’s Staff WooStar: Anita DiPilato, Secretary at North High School ⭐️
“Anita is more than a secretary, she is the heartbeat of North. Every day, she goes far beyond her job description to serve students, families, and staff with care and consistency. Students don’t just visit her office for paperwork; they go because they feel safe there. Anita creates a space where young people can be themselves, even on their hardest days. I’ve seen students walk in overwhelmed and leave encouraged, grounded, and ready to return to class. She listens without judgment and always makes sure they leave with a smile.”
Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for examples of students and staff who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in WPS to feature on our social media channels.
👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
“Anita is more than a secretary, she is the heartbeat of North. Every day, she goes far beyond her job description to serve students, families, and staff with care and consistency. Students don’t just visit her office for paperwork; they go because they feel safe there. Anita creates a space where young people can be themselves, even on their hardest days. I’ve seen students walk in overwhelmed and leave encouraged, grounded, and ready to return to class. She listens without judgment and always makes sure they leave with a smile.”
Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for examples of students and staff who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in WPS to feature on our social media channels.
👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
This Month’s Student WooStar: Aidan Gorczynski, 6th Grade, Empowered Individual at Lake View School ⭐️
“Aidan is a truly Empowered Individual who takes ownership of his education and future. As a sixth grader, he has grown into an amazing student who radiates confidence and kindness. He works incredibly hard to achieve his goals, often going the extra mile to help peers or improve his own work. His positive attitude and work ethic truly define him. He navigates his world with humor and grace, proving that he is not just capable of handling challenges, but capable of thriving in spite of them. He is a polite, funny, and driven role model for Lake View.”
This demonstrates that Aidan is an Empowered Individual, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Aidan can confidently identify resources that can help them face a given challenge or to accelerate/enhance an opportunity, and explain the possible impact those resources could have (EI 3).
Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for examples of students and staff who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in WPS to feature on our social media channels.
👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
“Aidan is a truly Empowered Individual who takes ownership of his education and future. As a sixth grader, he has grown into an amazing student who radiates confidence and kindness. He works incredibly hard to achieve his goals, often going the extra mile to help peers or improve his own work. His positive attitude and work ethic truly define him. He navigates his world with humor and grace, proving that he is not just capable of handling challenges, but capable of thriving in spite of them. He is a polite, funny, and driven role model for Lake View.”
This demonstrates that Aidan is an Empowered Individual, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Aidan can confidently identify resources that can help them face a given challenge or to accelerate/enhance an opportunity, and explain the possible impact those resources could have (EI 3).
Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for examples of students and staff who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in WPS to feature on our social media channels.
👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
💙 School Social Work / School Adjustment Counselor Week 💙
This week, we recognize School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor Week and want to take a moment to thank our school adjustment counselors across the district for all they do 🙏✨.
Our school adjustment counselors play a vital role in supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioral well-being 🧠💛. They partner closely with families 👨👩👧👦 and work alongside school teams 🤝 to make sure students and families are supported through both everyday challenges and critical moments ⚡.
On behalf of Worcester Public Schools, thank you for your dedication and heart 👏. Every day, your work makes a meaningful difference for our students and families 🌟.
Check out some of the photos of our dedicated team! 📸
This week, we recognize School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor Week and want to take a moment to thank our school adjustment counselors across the district for all they do 🙏✨.
Our school adjustment counselors play a vital role in supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioral well-being 🧠💛. They partner closely with families 👨👩👧👦 and work alongside school teams 🤝 to make sure students and families are supported through both everyday challenges and critical moments ⚡.
On behalf of Worcester Public Schools, thank you for your dedication and heart 👏. Every day, your work makes a meaningful difference for our students and families 🌟.
Check out some of the photos of our dedicated team! 📸
Quarter 2 Honor Roll!
Congratulations to all WPS students being recognized for their hard work and academic achievement in the second quarter. We’re proud to celebrate your success!
Find your student: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2739056
Congratulations to all WPS students being recognized for their hard work and academic achievement in the second quarter. We’re proud to celebrate your success!
Find your student: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2739056
🍎🥣 Rise, Shine, and Eat! It’s National School Breakfast Week!
Nothing kicks off a school day like a yummy breakfast 🍌🥪! This week we’re celebrating all the ways breakfast helps our students fuel up, focus, and tackle the day like champions. 💪
From fresh fruit and whole grains to warm favorites, the Worcester Public Schools Nutrition team is serving up delicious meals that make mornings brighter for our students. 💛
Families, breakfast is available for all students, so remind your kids to grab a bite and start the day strong! 🌟
Nothing kicks off a school day like a yummy breakfast 🍌🥪! This week we’re celebrating all the ways breakfast helps our students fuel up, focus, and tackle the day like champions. 💪
From fresh fruit and whole grains to warm favorites, the Worcester Public Schools Nutrition team is serving up delicious meals that make mornings brighter for our students. 💛
Families, breakfast is available for all students, so remind your kids to grab a bite and start the day strong! 🌟
Women’s History Month! 💜
March is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across the nation. This Women’s History Month, we honor the trailblazers who paved the way and uplift the leaders shaping tomorrow.
Learn more about Women’s History Month ➡️ https://buff.ly/2FuPVEI
Social media graphic created by Worcester Technical High School 11th grade Finance, Marketing and Business Management student Julio Cesar Barros.
March is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across the nation. This Women’s History Month, we honor the trailblazers who paved the way and uplift the leaders shaping tomorrow.
Learn more about Women’s History Month ➡️ https://buff.ly/2FuPVEI
Social media graphic created by Worcester Technical High School 11th grade Finance, Marketing and Business Management student Julio Cesar Barros.
🎓High School Graduation Dates for the Class of 2026!
The time is almost here! Check out the graduation dates for Worcester Public Schools’ Class of 2026:
• Wednesday, May 27: North High School
• Friday, May 29: University Park Campus School
• Monday, June 1: Doherty Memorial High School
• Tuesday, June 2: Gerald Creamer Center & Evening High School
• Tuesday, June 2: Worcester Technical High School
• Wednesday, June 3: South High Community School
• Thursday, June 4: Worcester Alternative School
• Friday, June 5: Burncoat High School
• Monday, June 8: Claremont Academy
• Tuesday, June 9: Adult Learning Center
Celebrate the hard work and dedication of our graduates as they move on to their next chapter! 🎓🌟
For full details on graduation dates, visit: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2734401
🌟 Call for WooStar Nominations 🌟
It’s time to nominate this month’s WooStars — one student and one staff member who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in Worcester Public Schools!
🗓️ February Nomination Deadline: Monday, Feb. 23
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
Your nominations ensure we can spotlight individuals who are putting Vision to Action across WPS!
It’s time to nominate this month’s WooStars — one student and one staff member who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in Worcester Public Schools!
🗓️ February Nomination Deadline: Monday, Feb. 23
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
Your nominations ensure we can spotlight individuals who are putting Vision to Action across WPS!
WPS Spirit Wear Store Launches 🎉
The Worcester Public Schools has launched the WPS Spirit Wear Store! You can purchase WPS-branded hoodies, t-shirts, pajama pants, backpacks, and more to show your Worcester Public Schools pride!
Please note that WPS makes no profit from these items. The prices reflect the cost only.
'Product of a Worcester Public School' logo designed by Erin Flemming Baffuto, Doherty Memorial High School Class of '01 and current Guidance Counselor and Student Council Advisor at Worcester Technical High School.
🛍️ Pre-sale until March 3rd! Shop now 👉 https://sistersbrandingco.com/col.../worcester-public-school
Burncoat High School Spirit Team Wins National Championship 🏆
The Burncoat High School Spirit Team returned home this past Monday with another national championship, taking first place in the Spirit Game Day Live category at the National Dance Team Championships (NDTC) in Orlando, Florida!
Made up of students in grades 9–12, Burncoat’s Spirit Team competed against schools from across the country.
The Spirit Game Day Live category combines cheer, dance, and band, and Burncoat was the only team representing the Northeast during the weekend.
This marks back-to-back national championships, with the team winning first place in the Pep Band category last year.
The Pep Band had another strong showing this year, placing third at the competition, while Burncoat’s Dance Team continued a standout season that has included first-place finishes at the Fall State Hip Hop Competition and the Central Mass. Athletic Conference Competition.
The Burncoat High School Spirit Team returned home this past Monday with another national championship, taking first place in the Spirit Game Day Live category at the National Dance Team Championships (NDTC) in Orlando, Florida!
Made up of students in grades 9–12, Burncoat’s Spirit Team competed against schools from across the country.
The Spirit Game Day Live category combines cheer, dance, and band, and Burncoat was the only team representing the Northeast during the weekend.
This marks back-to-back national championships, with the team winning first place in the Pep Band category last year.
The Pep Band had another strong showing this year, placing third at the competition, while Burncoat’s Dance Team continued a standout season that has included first-place finishes at the Fall State Hip Hop Competition and the Central Mass. Athletic Conference Competition.
Give Us Your Feedback on WPS Communications!
The WPS Communications Survey will be open through next week!
If you are a community member or alumni, parent/caregiver, students, or staff member, please take five minutes to let us know how we’re doing!
Thank you for your feedback
Find your survey: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2642550
The WPS Communications Survey will be open through next week!
If you are a community member or alumni, parent/caregiver, students, or staff member, please take five minutes to let us know how we’re doing!
Thank you for your feedback
Find your survey: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2642550
Worcester Technical High School BSU Hosts 5th Annual Black History Month Opening Celebration ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
Worcester Technical High School’s Black Student Union co-hosted its fifth annual Black History Month Opening Celebration yesterday, marking 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson first started the month in 1926.
The student-led event featured a musical and drum performance by Crocodile River Music, a powerful message from Larry Shyler, and a high-energy, cross-cultural dance by WTHS students. Students also enjoyed Musical Bingo and Jeopardy while connecting over food and desserts.
Students from Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, Worcester Technical High School, and Abby Kelley Foster came together to celebrate culture, community, and student voice, joined by Superintendent Brian E. Allen, School Committee members, and school leaders. The celebration created a safe space for students to unify, collaborate, and move beyond stereotypes ✨.
A big thank you to the counselors and staff who supported students and made the event possible.
✨ A powerful start to Black History Month! ✨
Worcester Technical High School’s Black Student Union co-hosted its fifth annual Black History Month Opening Celebration yesterday, marking 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson first started the month in 1926.
The student-led event featured a musical and drum performance by Crocodile River Music, a powerful message from Larry Shyler, and a high-energy, cross-cultural dance by WTHS students. Students also enjoyed Musical Bingo and Jeopardy while connecting over food and desserts.
Students from Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, Worcester Technical High School, and Abby Kelley Foster came together to celebrate culture, community, and student voice, joined by Superintendent Brian E. Allen, School Committee members, and school leaders. The celebration created a safe space for students to unify, collaborate, and move beyond stereotypes ✨.
A big thank you to the counselors and staff who supported students and made the event possible.
✨ A powerful start to Black History Month! ✨
🚘 Driver's Education Course - Winter Break Course🚘
The Central Massachusetts Safety Council (CMSC) Driving School is offering a driver's education course for WPS students from February 16-20, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, at Doherty Memorial High School (299 Highland Street).
Through CMSC’s partnership with Worcester Public Schools, students can enroll at discounted rates.
Visit worcesterschools.org/drivers-ed to sign-up and learn more!
The Central Massachusetts Safety Council (CMSC) Driving School is offering a driver's education course for WPS students from February 16-20, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, at Doherty Memorial High School (299 Highland Street).
Through CMSC’s partnership with Worcester Public Schools, students can enroll at discounted rates.
Visit worcesterschools.org/drivers-ed to sign-up and learn more!
Vision to Action: Grow Your Own Program Begins 🌱
Worcester Public Schools has begun its first cycle of the Grow Your Own Program, a new student-to-teacher pathway designed to prepare the next generation of educators from within the Worcester community.
Through this program, students will have opportunities to:
✅ Take early college education courses at Worcester State
✅ Build skills through hands-on classroom and enrichment experiences
✅ Prepare to one day return to WPS as future educators
The Grow Your Own Program reflects a long-term collaboration between Worcester Public Schools and Worcester State University, strengthening opportunities for students while addressing the growing need for educators in urban school districts.
🎓 Burncoat High School Hosts MCAC Day 🎓
Burncoat High School held its annual Massachusetts College Application Celebration (MCAC) Day to recognize the many postsecondary pathways students will take after graduation.
Nearly 50 community partners attended, including colleges, trade programs, local employers, military representatives, and civil service organizations. Students had the chance to make connections and some even received on-the-spot acceptances and scholarships.
Seniors also took part in a “Paint Your Future” activity, adding a handprint to a Class of 2026 mural representing their plans after graduation.
Burncoat High School held its annual Massachusetts College Application Celebration (MCAC) Day to recognize the many postsecondary pathways students will take after graduation.
Nearly 50 community partners attended, including colleges, trade programs, local employers, military representatives, and civil service organizations. Students had the chance to make connections and some even received on-the-spot acceptances and scholarships.
Seniors also took part in a “Paint Your Future” activity, adding a handprint to a Class of 2026 mural representing their plans after graduation.
✨ Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today we celebrate his vision of kindness, fairness, and respect for everyone. His words and actions continue to inspire us to make a positive difference in our communities. 💛
📖 To learn more on why we honor Dr. King: https://buff.ly/2RDvkbv
Today we celebrate his vision of kindness, fairness, and respect for everyone. His words and actions continue to inspire us to make a positive difference in our communities. 💛
📖 To learn more on why we honor Dr. King: https://buff.ly/2RDvkbv
🌎 WPS Students Participate in Model UN 🌎
117 student delegates from Worcester Public Schools middle and high schools recently took part in Model United Nations at Clark University, simulating UN committees and representing 40 countries.
Students delivered opening speeches, participated in caucuses, and developed resolutions to address pressing global issues.
They worked in four classrooms, three for high school and one for middle school, delivered 62 speeches, and passed 16 resolutions while building skills in public speaking, negotiation, leadership, and collaboration.
Awards were presented in each room for Best Public Speaker, Best Negotiator, Best Delegate, and Honorable Mention. Everyone should feel proud of their accomplishments.
The experience reflected all five Vision of a Learner dispositions, highlighting students as Engaged Community Members, Curious Learners, Empowered Individuals, Problem Solvers, and Effective Communicators.
117 student delegates from Worcester Public Schools middle and high schools recently took part in Model United Nations at Clark University, simulating UN committees and representing 40 countries.
Students delivered opening speeches, participated in caucuses, and developed resolutions to address pressing global issues.
They worked in four classrooms, three for high school and one for middle school, delivered 62 speeches, and passed 16 resolutions while building skills in public speaking, negotiation, leadership, and collaboration.
Awards were presented in each room for Best Public Speaker, Best Negotiator, Best Delegate, and Honorable Mention. Everyone should feel proud of their accomplishments.
The experience reflected all five Vision of a Learner dispositions, highlighting students as Engaged Community Members, Curious Learners, Empowered Individuals, Problem Solvers, and Effective Communicators.
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council Kicks Off 2026 at Doherty 🎓
On January 8, 2026, student leaders gathered at Doherty Memorial High School for the first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) meeting of the new year to explore an essential leadership principle: ‘Before you can lead others, you must know yourself.’
Through interactive activities like the “Stranded on an Island” icebreaker and the Priority Matrix exercise, students practiced teamwork, communication, and collaborative decision-making while identifying a shared focus for the year.
✅ Analyzed and compared school-based issues
✅ Practiced collaborative decision-making
✅ Reflected on how leaders prioritize time, energy, and impact
✅ Engaged in respectful dialogue to build consensus
With purpose, teamwork, and a clear focus, our student leaders are prepared to make a real difference in 2026.
On January 8, 2026, student leaders gathered at Doherty Memorial High School for the first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) meeting of the new year to explore an essential leadership principle: ‘Before you can lead others, you must know yourself.’
Through interactive activities like the “Stranded on an Island” icebreaker and the Priority Matrix exercise, students practiced teamwork, communication, and collaborative decision-making while identifying a shared focus for the year.
✅ Analyzed and compared school-based issues
✅ Practiced collaborative decision-making
✅ Reflected on how leaders prioritize time, energy, and impact
✅ Engaged in respectful dialogue to build consensus
With purpose, teamwork, and a clear focus, our student leaders are prepared to make a real difference in 2026.
